Blue Water Biotech Appoints Dr. Neil J. Campbell as President and CEO and Bruce Harmon as CFO

Veteran Life Sciences Executives Bring Extensive Public Company Operating Experience to Leadership Team

CINCINNATI, Oct. 10, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blue Water Biotech, Inc. (Nasdaq: BWV), which is focused on developing and commercializing transformational therapies to address significant global health challenges, today announced the appointments of Dr. Neil J. Campbell as President and CEO and Bruce Harmon as CFO, effective immediately. Dr. Campbell has also joined the Company’s board of directors.

Dr. Campbell has more than 35 years of experience with public and private companies focused on biopharmaceuticals, health technologies, nanotechnologies, artificial intelligence and super-computing. He has held leadership positions with IGEN International, now Roche; Celera Genomics; and Abbott Laboratories. In addition, he has worked as a venture capital partner and private equity advisor. He currently serves as chairman of Mosaigen, a commercial development company, and Patriax Industries, a protective device company.

James Sapirstein, Blue Water Biotech’s Lead Independent Director, said, "Neil is an exceptional businessman and leader who is well-suited for Blue Water Biotech. He has the proven ability to help us continue the Company’s transformation to maximize shareholder value. This involves the evaluation of our current programs as well as the identification of new opportunities. We are fortunate to have him at the helm of the Company.”

Dr. Campbell, added, "I am energized by this opportunity that involves market-ready commercial assets. My priority is to work with the team to build a company that brings important medicines to market and, at the same time, increase shareholder value. Furthermore, I am pleased with the addition of Bruce as our CFO. He has worked with me many times over the years. Bruce will be a key member of our team, and his appointment reflects our commitment to put forth the strongest, most experienced leadership group to drive the Company forward.”

Prior to joining Blue Water Biotech, Dr. Campbell was president, CEO and a director of Marizyme Inc. He also founded and served as chairman and CEO of Celios, a respiratory device company that was acquired by a private investment group. Prior to this, Dr. Campbell was the co-founder, president and CEO of Helomics, a personalized healthcare company focused on next-generation oncology and immune therapeutics and diagnostics. This company was acquired by a private equity investor. Dr. Campbell also held senior executive positions with SuperNova Diagnostics, EntreMed Pharmaceuticals and Life Technologies.